Prefunding for money transfer send transactions

ABSTRACT

A computer is configured to facilitate prefunding a number of money transfer transaction fees. Each prefunded money transfer transaction fee is usable to pay for a transaction fee associated with a future money transfer send transaction. The computer is further configured to charge an amount for each prefunded money transfer transaction fee based on the number of money transfer transaction fees prefunded. A server connected to the computer is configured to store information related to the prefunded money transfer transaction fees.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/519,469, filed Jul. 23, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/344,175, filed Jan. 5, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No.10,402,795, issued Sep. 3, 2019, the disclosures of which areincorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to computer systems for money transfers.More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methodsfor prefunding money transfer send transactions and transaction fees.

BACKGROUND

A number of businesses offer money transfer and other services through anetwork of agents. A customer that desires to use these services totransfer money to a third party can take the money to an agent of themoney transfer service. The agent accepts the money, obtains necessaryinformation such as the customer's identity and the identity of thereceiver, and initiates a transaction. The money is then made availableto the receiver by another agent.

When a customer is ready to send the transaction, the agent collectsfees to cover processing costs for the money transfer service, andprovides a source of revenue for the money transfer service. A customerwho makes frequent money transfers may be subjected to a transaction feeeach time a money transfer transaction is generated and sent. Inaddition, the customer may provide cash, money order, or other immediateor near-immediate form of payment to the agent, and agent is responsiblefor the receipt and processing of the payment. This carrying andexchange of immediate or near-immediate forms of currency for eachtransaction can be inconvenient.

An approach to processing money transfers that both reduces theinstances that currency is carried and exchanged and reduces fees forrepeat customers would also be useful.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a system for sendingmoney transfer transactions. The system includes a computer configuredto facilitate prefunding a number of money transfer transaction fees.Each prefunded money transfer transaction fee is usable to pay for atransaction fee associated with a future money transfer sendtransaction. The computer is further configured to charge an amount foreach prefunded money transfer transaction fee based on the number ofmoney transfer transaction fees prefunded. A server connected to thecomputer is configured to store information related to the prefundedmoney transfer transaction fees.

In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method foroperating a computer system for sending money transfers. The methodincludes receiving a request on a computer to prefund a number of moneytransfer transaction fees that are each usable to pay for a transactionfee associated with a future money transfer send transaction. An amountis charged for each prefunded money transfer transaction fee based onthe number of money transfer transaction fees prefunded. The methodfurther includes receiving funds to pay for the prefunded money transfertransaction fees, and storing information related to the prefunded moneytransfer transaction fees on a server.

In a further aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method foroperating a computer system for sending money transfers. The methodincludes receiving a request on a computer to prefund either (a) anumber of money transfer transaction fees each usable to pay for atransaction fee associated with a future money transfer send transactionor (b) a number of future money transfer send transactions andassociated money transfer transaction fees. Additionally, the methodincludes charging an amount for each prefunded money transfertransaction fee that is based on (a) the number of money transfertransaction fees prefunded and (b) whether future money transfer sendtransactions are being prefunded. The method further includes receivingfunds to pay for the prefunded money transfer transaction fees and anyprefunded future money transfer send transactions, and storinginformation related to the prefunded money transfer transaction fees andany prefunded future money transfer send transactions on a server.

While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of thepresent invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art fromthe following detailed description, which shows and describesillustrative embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, the drawings anddetailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature andnot restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a system for prefundingmoney transfer send transactions and fees.

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a process for controllingthe system of FIG. 1 to prefund money transfer transaction fees.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of another embodiment of a process forcontrolling the system of FIG. 1 to prefund money transfer sendtransactions and transaction fees.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a system 10 for sendingand receiving money transfers. System 10 includes a send computer 12 ata send location 14 and a receive computer 16 at a receive location 18.The send computer 12 and the receive computer 16 communicate with acentral server 20, for example via a communication network such as theinternet. In some embodiments, a sender interface 22 is connected to thesend computer 12, and a receiver interface 24 is connected to thereceive computer 16. The system 10 facilitates the sending of moneytransfers through the send computer 12, and the receipt of the moneytransfer through the receive computer 16.

The send location 14 may be a facility that is approved by a financialservices organization to send purchase requests for money transfers tothe server 20. The send location 14 may be a store or dedicated locationthat provides redemption services for money transfers. Alternatively,the send location 14 may access a computer remotely, such as via atelephone call or the internet. The send computer 12 is operated by anagent at the approved send location 14. The send computer 12 may includesoftware that facilitates entry of information to request sending themoney transfer for subsequent transmission to the server 20 forapproval. The agent at the send location 14 may also review purchaseridentification and accept funds from the sender of the money transfer.In some embodiments, the agent accepts funds on behalf of the financialservices organization. The send location 14 may also include a telephone(not shown) or other voice communications device to contact thefinancial services organization if questions arise during the moneytransfer request process. While a single send location 14 is shown inFIG. 1 , in actual implementation, the system 10 includes a plurality ofsend locations 14 that each includes a send computer 12 thatcommunicates with the server 20.

In alternative embodiments, the send computer 12 may be any computerconfigured to provide information to the server 20 via a secure internetor server connection. For example, the send computer 12 may be a homecomputer, kiosk, or other interactive device. The send computer 12 mayinclude a web browser or other application that provides a userinterface to enter information to send a money transfer. The web browsermay allow for entry of sender identification information and senderaccount information, the latter of which authorizes withdrawal of fundsfrom an account with a financial institution to fund the money transfer.As another example, the send computer 12 may be configured to receivemoney transfer send information from the sender via telephone orinteractive voice recognition systems. As a further example, a telephoneat the send location 14 may be used to contact a call center (not shown)to initiate a send request to the server 20.

The receive location 18 may be an institution that is approved by thefinancial services organization to receive money transfers for thebenefit of a receiver associated with the institution and issue funds tothe money transfer receivers. As discussed above, the receive location18 may be institutions such as a correctional facility, custodial carefacility, a court, or a school. The receive computer 16 at the receivelocation 18 may be operated by an approved employee of the institutionusing the receiver interface 24. The receive computer 18 may includesoftware that facilitates retrieval of information about money transferssent to the institution for the benefit of receivers associated with theinstitution. The employee operating the receive computer 16 at thereceive location 18 may also, in some cases, review the informationassociated with the money transfer, such as the amount and purpose ofthe money transfer funds. If approved, the employee issues funds to themoney transfer receiver's account at the institution. The receivelocation 18 may also include a telephone or other voice communicationsdevice to contact the financial services organization if questions ariseduring the money transfer receipt process. While a single receivelocation 18 is shown in FIG. 1 , in actual implementation, the system 10includes a plurality of receive locations 18 that each includes areceive computer 16 that communicates with the server 20.

The server 20 may be housed and/or operated by or on behalf of thefinancial services organization that, among other functions, approvesand coordinates send transactions of money transfers at the sendlocation 14 and receive transactions of money transfers at the receivelocation 18. The server 20 facilitates approval of send requests fromthe send location 14 and receive requests from the receive location 18.In some embodiments, the server 20 is configured to process send andreceive requests automatically. In other embodiments, the server 20provides information to a user at the financial services organizationfor review and approval. For example, the server 20 may be connected toa computer 26 that provides an interface to a user at the financialservices organization to review and approve or deny money transfer sendor receive transactions. In some embodiments, the server 20 providescompliance functions for money transfer transaction. The server 20includes storage capabilities to store information from money transfersend transactions for later retrieval during the money transfer receiveapproval process. In addition, the server 20 may store other informationsuch as, for example, past customer money transfer send/receiveactivity, customer account information, and computer identification andlog-in information for the send computer 12 and receive computer 16.

As will be described in more detail herein, the system 10 facilitatesallowing a customer to prefund money transfer transaction fees to beapplied to money transfers purchased at a later time. The system 10 mayalso be configured to allow the customer to prefund future moneytransfers as well as the transaction fees, to be sent at a future date.In some embodiments, the number of transaction fees prefunded and/orwhether future money transfers are funded establishes the amount chargedfor each prefunded transaction fee. For example, the per transaction feeamount may be reduced for each transaction fee or each group oftransaction fees prefunded.

By allowing the customer to prefund a number of transaction fees and/ormoney transfers, the financial services organization is able toestablish a recurring relationship with the customer in one visit to thesend location. In addition, the customer is able to set up multipletransactions without having to carry cash, money orders, or other formsof immediate or near-immediate currency to the send location each time amoney transfer is sent. This provides convenience for both the customerand agent when the prefunded future money transfer and transaction feesare redeemed. In addition, prefunded transactions and fees increasesafety for the customer and agent, since it reduces the number ofinstances that the customer brings funds to the send location.

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a process for prefundingmoney transfer transaction fees. In step 50, a request to prefund anumber of money transfer transaction fees is received from a customer atthe send computer 12. The customer may provide the requested number oftransaction fees to be prefunded to an agent for the financial servicesorganization at the send location 14. Alternatively, the customer mayenter information about the number of money transfer transaction fees onthe send computer 12 via the send interface 22 (e.g., via a self-servicekiosk or a computer connected to the server 20 via the internet). Insome embodiments, transaction fees are calculated as a percentage of theamount of the money transfer. In these embodiments, the customer may beasked to provide the expected amount of the future money transfers. Thesend computer 12 may then calculate the transaction fee associated withthe expected amount of the future money transfers.

In step 52, the send computer 12 charges an amount for each prefundedmoney transfer transaction fee based on the number of money transfertransaction fees prefunded. For example, in some embodiments, the amountcharged for the each prefunded transaction fee may be reduced by apercentage of the full price transaction fee. The percentage reductionin the amount charged for each prefunded transaction fee may increasewith increasing number of transaction fees prefunded. For example, thepercentage reduction in the amount charged for each prefundedtransaction fee may be linearly related to the number of transactionfees prefunded. As another example, the percentage reduction may becalculated based on an incremental number of transaction fees prefunded(i.e., larger discount for each group of transaction fees prefunded). Insome embodiments, the send computer 12 may be programmed with a maximumor cap percentage reduction such that, when the cap percentage reductionis reached, prefunding of additional transaction fees does not result inan increased percentage reduction in the amount charged for eachprefunded transaction fee.

In one exemplary implementation, the send computer 12 is configured toreduce the charge for each prefunded money transfer transaction fee by1% for each transaction fee prefunded. As another example, the sendcomputer 12 may be configured to increase the per prefunded transactionfee discount with each group of transaction fees prefunded (e.g., foreach group of six). The percentage may be capped at a discount maximum,as discussed above. The discount percentage increase may be linear(i.e., same percentage increase with each group of transaction feesprefunded) or may escalate with increasing numbers of groups oftransaction fees funded. In the latter case, one exemplaryimplementation may provide a 2% discount for six prefunded transactionfees, a 5% discount for twelve prefunded transaction fees, and a 15%discount for twenty-four prefunded transaction fees. These discounts andprefunded transaction fee group numbers are merely exemplary, and anycombination of prefunded transaction fee group numbers and associateddiscounts are possible.

When the percentage reduction for each prefunded transaction fee hasbeen calculated based on the number of transaction fees prefunded, then,in step 54, funds to pay for the prefunded money transfer transactionfees are received by the financial services organization. For example,if the customer is working with an agent at a send location 14, thecustomer provides funds (e.g., cash, money order, etc.) in thecalculated amount to the agent. As another example, if the customer isusing a self-service send computer 12 (e.g., kiosk, personal computer,etc.), the customer may pay for the prefunded transaction fees viaelectronic means, such as with a credit card or via direct withdrawalfrom a bank account.

In some embodiments, prefunding money transfer transaction fees may lockin or secure a foreign exchange rate for future money transfers. Whenthe customer requests to prefund transaction fees, the customer may alsobe prompted to provide the destination country of the future moneytransfer associated with the prefunded transaction fees. The sendcomputer 12 may be configured to determine the exchange rate between thecountry from which the customer is sending, and the country of therecipient of the future money transfer. Then, the send computer 12 locksin the exchange rate when the prefunding of the transaction fees hasbeen completed. In some embodiments, the exchange rate is locked in whenthe funds to cover the prefunded money transfer fees are received.

The send computer 12 may also be configured to assign an expiration dateto the prefunded transaction fees. In some embodiments, the locked inexchange rate associated with each prefunded transaction fee lapsesafter the expiration date. In some embodiments, for a prefundedtransaction fee that has passed the expiration date, the exchange rateapplied is the exchange rate on the day that the money transferassociated with the prefunded transaction fee is sent. The expirationdate may also affect other aspects of the prefunded transaction fees,such as the amount of the discount applied to each prefunded transactionfee.

In step 56, information related to the prefunded money transfertransaction fees is stored, for example in server 20. The informationrelated to the prefunded transaction fees may include, for example, theamount prefunded for each transaction fee and a confirmation number foreach prefunded transaction fee or each group of transaction fees. Theinformation may also include locked exchange rate and expiration dateinformation for each prefunded transaction fee. In various embodiments,during the process of funding the transaction fees, the send computer 12may be configured to prompt the customer for information associated withthe prefunded transaction fees. For example, the send computer 12 mayprompt the customer to provide identification information about thecustomer (e.g., name, photograph, government issued identificationinformation, etc.) to allow the system 10 to associate the prefundedtransaction fees with the customer for ease of retrieval upon use with afuture money transfer transaction. The information about the customermay be stored with the transaction confirmation number in the server 20.The information associated with the prefunded transaction fees stored inthe server 20 may also include information about the future moneytransfers associated with the prefunded transaction fees, such as thesend amount, send date, and recipient identification information.

When the customer wishes to send a money transfer, the customer may goto a send location 14. The send location 14 may be the same or adifferent send location 14 as the send location 14 at which thetransaction fees were prefunded. The customer provides informationrelated to the money transfer (e.g., money transfer recipient, moneytransfer amount, etc.), and the transaction fees for the money transferare calculated. The customer may then provide a confirmation number orother identifying information associated with the prefunded transactionfees stored in the server 20. The send computer 12 then retrievesinformation about the transaction fees prefunded by the customer, andapplies the prefunded transaction fees to the money transfertransaction. The prefunded transaction fee used on the money transfertransaction is then marked as being used on the server 20.

In some cases, it may be useful or convenient to also fund moneytransfers in advance of the actual send date. FIG. 3 is a flow diagramof an embodiment of another embodiment of a process for controlling thesystem 10 shown in FIG. 1 . In step 60, a request to prefund a number ofmoney transfer transaction fees is received on the send computer 14.Step 60 is substantially similar to step 50 discussed above in FIG. 2 .The customer may provide the requested number of transaction fees to beprefunded to an agent for the financial services organization at thesend location 14. Alternatively, the customer may enter informationabout the number of money transfer transaction fees on the send computer12 via the send interface 22 (e.g., via a self-service kiosk or acomputer connected to the server 20 via the internet).

In step 62, the amount for each prefunded money transfer transaction feeis reduced by an amount that is based on the number of transaction feesprefunded. Step 62 is substantially similar to step 52 discussed above.For example, in some embodiments, the amount charged for the eachprefunded transaction fee may be reduced by a percentage of the fullprice transaction fee. The percentage reduction in the amount chargedfor each prefunded transaction fee may increase with increasing numberof transaction fees prefunded. For example, the percentage reduction inthe amount charged for each prefunded transaction fee may be linearlyrelated to the number of transaction fees prefunded. As another example,the percentage reduction may be calculated based on an incrementalnumber of transaction fees prefunded.

In decision step 64, the send computer 12 prompts the customer to decidewhether to prefund one or more money transfer send transactions. If thecustomer does not request to fund any money transfer send transactions,then, in step 68, the customer provides funds to pay for the prefundedmoney transfer transaction fees, similar to step 54 in FIG. 2 .Information about the prefunded money transfer transaction fees is thenstored in the server 20, similar to step 56 in FIG. 2 .

On the other hand, if in decision step 64 the customer decides to fundone or more money transfer transactions, then, in step 66, the amountcharged for each prefunded transaction fee is further discounted by aprefunded money transfer discount. The prefunded money transfer discountmay be a flat percentage that is added on to the discount applied abovein step 62. For example, in one implementation, the prefunded moneytransfer discount is 5%. In other embodiments, the prefunded moneytransfer discount may be a function of the number of money transfersprefunded. The combined discounts applied for the prefunding of moneytransfers and transaction fees may be capped at a maximum discount, asdiscussed above.

After the discounts for prefunding money transfers and transaction feesis calculated, then, in step 68, funds to pay for the prefunded moneytransfer transaction fees are received by the financial servicesorganization. For example, if the customer is working with an agent at asend location 14, the customer provides funds (e.g., cash, money order,etc.) in the calculated amount to the agent. As another example, if thecustomer is using a self-service send computer 12 (e.g., kiosk, personalcomputer, etc.), the customer may pay for the prefunded transaction feesvia electronic means, such as with a credit card or via directwithdrawal from a bank account.

In step 70, information related to the prefunded money transfers andtransaction fees is stored, for example in server 20. The informationrelated to the prefunded money transfers may include, for example, theamount prefunded for each money transfer and a confirmation number foreach money transfer or each group of money transfers. The informationmay also include locked exchange rate and expiration date informationfor each prefunded transaction fee. The information may further includecustomer identification information, the send dates of the prefundedmoney transfers, and recipient identification information.

When the customer wishes to send a prefunded money transfer, thecustomer may go to a send location 14. The send location 14 may be thesame or a different send location 14 as the send location 14 at whichthe transaction fees were prefunded. The customer provides informationto retrieve the prefunded money transfer (e.g., confirmation number,customer identification, send amount, recipient information, etc.) Thesend computer 12 then retrieves information about the money transfersprefunded by the customer, applies the prefunded transaction feesassociated with the money transfer transaction, and sends the moneytransfer.

The prefunding of money transfers may be useful and convenient to acustomer who frequently sends money transfers, particularly to the samerecipient. For example, if a customer uses money transfer services topay a recurring bill, the customer can prefund money transfers to covermultiple future bills in a single visit to a send location 14. In someembodiments, an account number the customer uses in association with thepayee of the bill may be attached to the prefunded money transfer. Thus,when the bill comes due, the customer may go to the send location andapprove sending of the prefunded money transfer to the payee.Alternatively, the send computer 12 may be configured to send aprefunded money transfer automatically on or before the due date of thebill.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplaryembodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the presentinvention. For example, while the embodiments described above refer toparticular features, the scope of this invention also includesembodiments having different combinations of features and embodimentsthat do not include all of the above described features.

The following is claimed:
 1. A system for sending money transfertransactions, the system comprising: a computer configured to facilitateprefunding a plurality of money transfer transaction fees, eachprefunded money transfer transaction fee for pay a transaction feecharged in association with a future money transfer send transaction,wherein each of the money transfer transaction fees is prefunded in atransaction separate from the future money transfer send transactions towhich the prefunded money transfer transaction fee is applied, andwherein the computer is further configured to charge an amount for saideach prefunded money transfer transaction fee based on the number ofmoney transfer transaction fees prefunded; and a server connected to thecomputer configured to store information related to the prefunded moneytransfer transaction fees.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein thecomputer is further configured to facilitate prefunding one or moremoney transfer send transactions for use in association with one or morefuture send purchase requests, wherein each of the money transfer sendtransactions are prefunded in a transaction separate from the one ormore future send purchase requests.
 3. The system of claim 2, whereinthe computer is configured to receive information about the prefundedone or more future money transfer send transactions, the informationabout each future money transfer send transaction includes a send date,a prefunded amount, and recipient information for said each future moneytransfer send transaction.
 4. The system of claim 2, wherein the amountcharged by the computer for said each prefunded money transfertransaction fee is further based on whether one or more future moneytransfer send transactions are being prefunded.
 5. The system of claim1, wherein said each prefunded money transfer transaction fee furtherlocks an exchange rate for a money transfer send transaction, andwherein the server is configured to store the locked exchange rate forsaid each prefunded money transfer transaction fee.
 6. The system ofclaim 5, wherein the locked exchange rate for said each prefunded moneytransfer transaction fee further includes an expiration date, andwherein the exchange rate associated with the prefunded money transfertransaction fee reverts from the locked exchange rate to a currentexchange rate after the expiration date.
 7. A method for operating acomputer system for sending money transfers, the method comprising:receiving a request on a computer to prefund a plurality of moneytransfer transaction fees, each prefunded money transfer transaction feefor pay a transaction fee charged in association with a future moneytransfer send transaction, wherein each of the money transfertransaction fees is prefunded in a transaction separate from the futuremoney transfer send transactions to which the prefunded money transfertransaction fee is applied; charging an amount calculated by thecomputer and presented on a user interface on the computer for said eachprefunded money transfer transaction fee based on the number of moneytransfer transaction fees prefunded; receiving funds to pay for theprefunded money transfer transaction fees; and storing informationrelated to the prefunded money transfer transaction fees on a server. 8.The method of claim 7, and further comprising: receiving a request onthe computer to prefund one or more money transfer send transactions;receiving funds to pay for the prefunded one or more money transfer sendtransactions for use in association with one or more future sendpurchase requests, wherein each of the money transfer send transactionsare prefunded in a transaction separate from the one or more future sendpurchase requests; and storing information related to the prefunded oneor more future money transfer send transactions on the server.
 9. Themethod of claim 8, wherein storing information about each prefundedfuture money transfer send transaction includes storing a send date, aprefunded amount, and recipient information for said each money transfersend transaction.
 10. The method of claim 8, wherein the charging stepfurther comprises charging an amount for said each prefunded moneytransfer transaction fee further based on whether one or more futuremoney transfer send transactions are being prefunded.
 11. The method ofclaim 7, and further comprising: locking an exchange rate for said eachprefunded money transfer transaction fee such that the locked exchangerate applies to a future money transfer send transaction to which theprefunded money transfer transaction fee is applied.
 12. The method ofclaim 11, and further comprising: associating an expiration date withthe locked exchange rate for said each prefunded money transfertransaction fee, wherein the exchange rate associated with the prefundedmoney transfer transaction fee reverts from the locked exchange rate toa current exchange rate after the expiration date.
 13. The method ofclaim 7, and further comprising: receiving a request for a moneytransfer send transaction; receiving funds in an amount of the moneytransfer send transaction; and applying a prefunded money transfertransaction fee to the money transfer send transaction.
 14. The methodof claim 13, wherein the applying step comprises: confirming the amountof the prefunded money transfer transaction fee is sufficient for theamount of the money transfer send transaction.
 15. A method foroperating a computer system for sending money transfers, the methodcomprising: receiving a request on a computer to prefund either (a) aplurality of money transfer transaction fees each for paying atransaction fee charged in association with a future money transfer sendtransaction, wherein each of the money transfer transaction fees isrefunded in a transaction separate from the future money transfer sendtransactions to which the prefunded money transfer transaction fee isapplied, or (b) a plurality of money transfer send transactions andassociated money transfer transaction fees for use in association withone or more future send purchase requests, wherein the money transfersend transactions and associated money transfer transaction fees areprefunded in a transaction separate from the one or more future sendpurchase requests; charging an amount calculated by the computer andpresented on a user interface on the computer for said each prefundedmoney transfer transaction fee that is based on (a) the number of moneytransfer transaction fees prefunded and (b) whether money transfer sendtransactions are being prefunded; receiving funds to pay for theprefunded money transfer transaction fees and any prefunded moneytransfer send transactions; and storing information related to theprefunded money transfer transaction fees and any prefunded moneytransfer send transactions on a server.
 16. The method of claim 15,wherein the charging step comprises charging a lower amount for eachprefunded money transfer transaction fee when money transfer sendtransactions are prefunded.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein storinginformation about any prefunded money transfer send transactionsincludes storing a send date, a prefunded amount, and recipientinformation for each prefunded money transfer send transaction.
 18. Themethod of claim 15, and further comprising: locking an exchange rate forsaid each prefunded money transfer transaction fee such that the lockedexchange rate applies to a future money transfer send transaction towhich the prefunded money transfer transaction fee is applied.
 19. Themethod of claim 15, and further comprising: associating an expirationdate with the locked exchange rate for said each prefunded moneytransfer transaction fee, wherein the exchange rate associated with theprefunded money transfer transaction fee reverts from the lockedexchange rate to a current exchange rate after the expiration date. 20.The method of claim 15, and further comprising: receiving a request fora money transfer send transaction; applying a prefunded money transfertransaction fee to the money transfer send transaction.